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Posted February 1st 2010

Carter Godwin Woodson was born on December 19, 1875 in New Canton, in Buckingham County, Virginia, to parents who were formerly enslaved. He was instrumental in bringing professional recognition to the study of African American history during a period when most historians held the opinion that African Americans were a people without history.

He founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in September 1915 and a journal to chronicle the history and advancements of African Americans. To draw greater attention to the contributions and achievements of African Americans to civilization, he and others founded Negro History Week in 1926. He chose the week to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and Frederick Douglass on February 14, whose lives and work supported freedom, equality, and citizenship for African Americans. This celebration and remembrance would later evolve into Black History Month, celebrated nationally beginning in the mid-1970s. Years later many referred to Woodson as the “Father of Negro History.”

The association today sets the theme for Black History Month and serves as a resource for local, state, and international branches to help promote greater knowledge of African American history through programs of education, research, and publishing.

Born to a poor family, Woodson supported himself by working in the coalmines of Kentucky. As a result, he was unable to enroll in high school until he was 20. After graduating in less than two years, he taught high school, wrote articles, studied at home and abroad, and went on to earn a doctorate in history at Harvard University in 1912; at the time, only the second African American to receive a Harvard doctorate. His predecessor was the eminent scholar, W.E.B. DuBois.

His organization, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, encouraged scholars to engage in the intensive study of the past as it related to Africans and their descendants through the world. In 1916, Woodson edited the first issue of the association’s principal scholarly publication, The Journal of Negro History (now the Journal of African American History), which, under his direction, remained an important historical periodical for more than 30 years. Woodson served as dean of the College of Liberal Arts and head of the graduate faculty at Howard University, Washington, D.C. (1919-20), and was dean at West Virginia State College in Institute, West Virginia (1920-22).

Important works by Woodson include the widely consulted college text The Negro in Our History (1922; 10th ed., 1962); The Education of the Negro Prior to 1861 (1915); A Century of Negro Migration (1918), and The Miseducation of the Negro (1933). He was at work on a projected six-volume Encyclopedia Africana at the time of his death. Woodson died on April 3, 1950, in Washington, D.C.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION : EVENT LISTINGS 2010

Monday February 1st through Sunday March 7th 2010

Oberlin College will observe Black History Month with a series of speakers, social events, and performances that celebrate black history, showcase Oberlin’s black community, and present perspectives on black culture today. For a complete listing of events, visit Oberlin’s Black History Month web site. Student Union Bilding’s Wilder Hall (Dionysus Disco), 135 W. Lorain St. Oberlin, OH 44074. http://new.oberlin.edu/events-activities/black-history/ Admission: Prices vary with event

Monday February 1st through Sunday February 21st8p Monday through Sunday/3p Saturday/2p Sunday

Cleveland Play House presents “Ain’t Misbehavin’”! The House is rocking with this Tony-award winning musical tribute to the music of the singular musician of the jazz era, Thomas “Fats” Waller! Log onto Cleveland Play House for showtimes. http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/se-0910.asp

Monday February 1st through Sunday February 28th 2010

Cleveland State University’s Black Studies Program will present a wide range of activities in honor of Black History Month. From lectures to art exhibits to music concerts and festivals, Cleveland State is engaging the community in a celebration of the lives, history and culture of people of African descent.

All events are free and open to the public unless noted. For a complete list and more information, please call the Black Studies Program at 216.687.3655 or visit www.csuohio.edu/class/blackstudies.

Cleveland State University-”The Man The Movement The March Exhibition.” From the Cleveland Press Collection, photographs highlighting some of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s activities in Cleveland. In the Black Studies Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center. Sponsored by the Office of President Ronald Berkman with support from the Michael Schwartz Library’s Special Collection. Room 137. Admission: Free

10 a.m. : Western Reserve Historical Society- ‘Choosing to Participate’, an interactive exhibition coming to the Western Reserve Historical Society, has won national praise for encouraging people from across the globe to consider the effects of their every day choices and inspiring them to make a positive difference in their own community. Presented by the educational organization Facing History and Ourselves, Choosing to Participate presents powerful stories of individuals and communities confronting prejudice and intolerance and the courage, initiative and compassion they demonstrate to protect democracy and human rights. Features Little Rock 9 Arkansas, 1957. Will Counts Collection, Indiana University Archives Exhibit

Wednesday February 3rd 2010

6:30 p.m.: Executive producer Kenard Gibbs of TV’s “Soul Train” will discuss the show, followed by a 7 p.m. screening of a movie about it. The free event will take place at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Foster Theater. You must reserve a seat at 216-515-8426 or edu@rockhall.org. For details about this and other Black History events, see rockhall.com/calendar.

Friday February 5th 2010

6 p.m.: A “Words of Wisdom” slam contest will take place in Room 137, Main Classroom Building, Euclid Avenue and East 22nd Street, Cleveland State University. For more black history events, see csuohio.edu.

Saturday February 6th 2010

3 p.m.: You can recite your favorite passage by an African-American author, or just listen to others recite, at Borders, Severance Town Center, 3466 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights.

Sunday February 7th 2010

3:30 p.m.: The Rev. Valentino Lassiter and Edna Duffy will discuss the current impact of spirituals at Duffy Liturgical Dance Ensemble, 20104 Chagrin Blvd., Shaker Heights.

Monday February 8th 2010

6 p.m.: Rethinking Race: Black, White & Beyond — 6 p.m. Feb. 8, Student Union Theatre, University of Akron, Student Union, 303 Carroll St. Dr. Hazel Symonette, Senior Policy and Program Development specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison, will present Inclusive Excellence Imperatives: Mobilizing Self as a Responsive Instrument for Social Justice. Free. 330-972-6446 or http://www.uakron.edu/race.

6:30 p.m.: Rock Hall of Fame, John A. Jackson, who wrote “A House on Fire: The Rise and Fall of Philadelphia Soul,” will join a reception, then give a talk at 7 p.m. at Case Western Reserve University’s Clark Hall, Room 309, 11130 Bellflower Road, Cleveland. Please email edu@rockhall.org or call 216.515.8426 to RSVP.

Tuesday February 9th through Saturday February 13th 2010

10-5p Monday-Friday/ 12p-4p Saturday

Black History Month: “Physical Graffitti.” Mixed media collage paintings by Kushmere Bell! Cleveland State University- Art Gallery Building, 2307 Chester Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44114

Tuesday February 9th 2010

2 p.m.: Rethinking Race: Black, White & Beyond — 2 p.m. Feb. 9, Student Union Theatre, University of Akron, Student Union, 303 Carroll St. Dr. John Flores, Climo Junior Professor of the College of Arts and Sciences at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, will present Mexican Migration to the Midwest: A Historical and Contemporary Perspective. Free. 330-972-6446 or http://www.uakron.edu/race.

7:30 p.m.: Rethinking Race: Black, White & Beyond — 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9, E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, Stage Door, 198 Hill St., University of Akron. Anti-racist writer and activist Tim Wise will present White Like Me: Reflections on Race From a Privileged Son. 330-972-6446 or http://www.uakron.edu/race.

Wednesday February 10th 2010

noon: 2010 Black History Month: Food for the Soul — Noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 10 in the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda, 601 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland. Phil the Fire’s Chicken and Waffles. $10. For tickets and menu, visit http://chickenandwaffles.eventbrite.com.

4:30 p.m. Rock and Roll Hall fo Fame, Eat to the Beat

4:30 p.m. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Teachers Rock: Professional Development Series for K-12 Educators Dr Joke Bradt (MT, BC, LCAT), Temple University Please email edu@rockhall.org or call 216.515.8426 to RSVP. 7 p.m. : Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Foster Theater Hall of Fame Series featuring The O’jays. Please email edu@rockhall.org or call 216.515.8426 to RSVP.

7 p.m.: Performers from Karamu House will recite Langston Hughes poems at Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood. Tickets cost $12 for Maltz members and $15 for others.

7 p.m.: The documentary “February 1,” about a 1960 sit-in in Greensboro, N.C., will be screened at the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Warrensville Heights branch, 22035 Clarkwood Parkway. Check here for other events at county library branches.

7 p.m.:  Rethinking Race: Black, White & Beyond — 7 p.m. Feb. 10, Student Union Theatre, University of Akron, Student Union, 303 Carroll St. Herman Boone, football coach whose successes are documented in film Remember the Titans, will present Lessons From the Titans. 330-972-6446 or http://www.uakron.edu/race.

Thursday February 11th 2010

1:45 p.m.: Rethinking Race: Black, White & Beyond — 1:45 p.m. Feb. 11, Student Union Theatre, University of Akron, Student Union, 303 Carroll St. Dr. David Williams, the Florence and Laura Norman Professor of Public Health at the Harvard School of Public Health and Professor of African and African American Studies and of Sociology at Harvard University, will present Social Inequities in Health: Patterns, Causes and the Costs of Doing Nothing. 330-972-6446 or http://www.uakron.edu/race.

6 p.m.: Rethinking Race: Black, White & Beyond — 6 p.m. Feb. 11, Student Union Theatre, University of Akron, Student Union, 303 Carroll St. Robert Roche, executive director of the American Indian Education Center in Cleveland, will present The Invisible People. 330-972-6446 or http://www.uakron.edu/race.

6:30 p.m.: Inspiration of Colors Drama Team Lights, Camera, Action — 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11 and 25 at Akron-Summit County Public Library, Maple Valley branch, 1187 Copley Road, Akron. Inspirations of Colors will re-enact scenes from memorable plays. Free. 330-864-5721.

6:30 P.M.: The Art Of Frank Morrison. Enjoy an evening with Frank Morrison, award winning illustrator, artist and musician. Cleveland Public Library Martin Luther King Branch.

7 p.m.: Rethinking Race: Black, White & Beyond Unity Celebration — 7 p.m. Feb. 11, Student Union 335, University of Akron, Student Union, 303 Carroll St. 330-972-6446 or http://www.uakron.edu/race.

7 p .m.: Nia Coffeehouse-Karama House-Spoken Word

Friday  February  12th 2010

12:30 p.m.: A portrayal of Eliza Bryant, local pioneer of housing for the elderly, will take place during a free luncheon at Case Western Reserve University’s Spartan Room, Thwing Center, 11111 Euclid Ave., sponsored by the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women. Please reserve seats by Feb. 5 at sjo14@case.edu or call 216-368-0985.

Friday February 12th through Sunday March 7th 2010

8p Thursday -Sunday

3p Sunday Matinee

The Karamu House presents “The Great White Hope” which is loosely based on the life of Arican American Boxer Jack Johnson, rename Jack Jefferson in the story. After the first Negro Heavyweight boxing champion in the world in 1908, the play follows his tumultuous career and explores the nature of racism and racial conflict.  In collaboration with Weathervane Playhouse and Ensemble Theatre comes one of the most dynamic plays for the American stage!

Monday February 15th 2010

9:30 a.m.: St. James AME Church located at 8401 Cedar Avenue will host a Community Prayer Breakfast. The program is young people oriented, and intended to uplift the community in which we live. Judge Michael J. Ryan will make keynote remarks.    The program is free and open to the public, and since there is no school on Presidents Day, it will be a great day and no better way for the community, especially parents and school age children to come together to recognize the truly historical achievement of electing the first U.S. President of African American descent. The winners of the Rev. Dr. James R. Tanner, Sr. (recently deceased) Essay Contest also will be presented. The contest was open to students at John Hay and East Tech (grades 9-12), and Bolton, and Giddings (grades 6-8).

Tuesday February 16th 2010

11:30 a.m.: ”Black Talk!” Speaker Series — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Doubletree Hotel, 1111 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland. Jennifer Franklin will present Learning to LOVE Your In-Laws. Free. Optional $20 lunch. Reservations, 216-420-7606.

9 p.m. : House of Blues with George Clinton! Turn The White House Black! Log on to HOB and purchase you’re tickets now. http://www.houseofblues.com

Wednesday February 17th 2010

7 p.m. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Foster Theatre (4th Floor) From Songwriters to Soundmen with Weldon McDougal III. Please email edu@rockhall.org or call 216.515.8426 to RSVP.

Thursday February 18th 2010

9 p.m.: House of Blues with Snoop Doggy Dog! The Chairman wants to rock! Log onto HOB to purchase your tickets now. http://www.houseofblues.com

Thursday February 18th through Sunday February 21st

8p Thursday through Saturday-6:30p Friday Dinner Package-7p Sunday- 10:15p Friday & Saturday: The Cleveland Improv Comedy Club & Restaurants presents Michael Colyar! Book your dinner package now! http://www.clevelandimprov.com/default.aspx

Friday February 19th 2010

1 p.m.: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Foster Theater(4th Floor) An Afternoon with the Chi-Lites. Please email edu@rockhall.org or call 216.515.8426 to RSVP.

Saturday February 20th through March 7th 2010

Thursdays-Saturdays 8 p.m/Sundays at 3 p.m.

The Cleveland State University Dramatic Arts Program will present the world premiere of Wilberforce, the engaging and controversial new work about progress, tradition and America’s first black college by playwright and screenwriter Keith Josef Adkins. The production is directed by Jimmie Woody. Cleveland State University Factory Theatre, located at 1833 East 24th Street, between Chester and Payne avenues. Free parking is available. Contact: Brian Johnston, 216.523.7279,pr@csuohio.edu.

Sunday February  21st 2010

12:30 p.m.: The Duffy Liturgical Dance Ensemble and Singers will perform spirituals and blues at University Circle United Methodist Church (formerly Epworth-Euclid United), 1919 East 107th St., Cleveland

2 p.m.: ”Harriet Tubman and the Train to Freedom” — 2 p.m. Feb. 21 at Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. Presented by the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s ArtReach Program. $8 in advance, $10 day of show. 330-253-2488, http://www.akroncivic.com, http://www.ticketmaster.com.

Tuesday February 23rd 2010

Noon: Diane Phillips-Leatherberry, civil rights activist, and Daniel Clancy, head of Case Western Reserve University alumni relations, will discuss the Selma voting march of 1965, which Phillips-Leatherberry joined and Clancy covered as an FBI agent. The talk will take place at Case Western’s law school, Room 157, 11075 East Blvd.

Wednesday February 24th 2010

noon: 2010 Black History Month: Food for the Soul — Noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 24 in Cleveland City Hall Rotunda, 601 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland. Shrimp, chicken and sausage jambalaya from Chef Tony Fortner of Chester’s Fine Cuisine. $10. For tickets and menu, visit http://jambalaya.eventbrite.com.

7 p.m. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Foster Theater (4th Floor) Rock and Roll Night School: The Story of Philadelphia International Records. Please email edu@rockhall.org or call 216.515.8426 to RSVP.

Thursday February 25th 2010

6:30 p .m.: Nia Coffeehouse-Karama House-Spoken Word

6:30 p.m.: The Hue People Present ‘Music of the Movement’. Cleveland Public Library

Martin Luther King Branch.

Friday February 26th 2010

7 p.m. : Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Brooklyn branch will present a performance of the drum band HeartBEAT Afrika. Registration is free but required so call (216) 398-4600.

8 p.m. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Main Stage Live Performance by The Manhattans Featuring Gerald Alston & Blue Lovett. Please email edu@rockhall.org or call 216.515.8426 to RSVP.

Saturday  February 27th 2010

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: A free day of workshops in the spoken word for seventh- through 12th-graders will include a show for all ages at 3 p.m. by Chief Rocka Q-Nice. The events will take place at the Cleveland Main Library Louis Stokes Wing, 525 Superior Ave. For many other events at library branches this month, see here (pdf).

2 p.m.: The Ecumenical Disciples Choir and New Dimension Sacred Dance Ministry will perform at the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Warrensville Heights branch, 22035 Clarkwood Parkway. Check here for other events at county library branches.

7 p.m.: There will be a gathering of several school gospel choirs at Cleveland Heights High School on Cedar Road in Cleveland Heights. Admission is $2.

Sunday February 28th 2010

10 a.m.: St. James AME Church located at 8401 Cedar Avenue will host a special service which is part of a national initiative to uplift Black Men in communities across America called “Bring a Black Male to Worship Day.” The hope is to make a statement that will lead to a stronger community of Black Men in the Greater Cleveland area. We invite every man, woman and child in our community to attend. In particular, every father, son, uncle, nephew, brother, male cousin, male friend, and male associate is invited to attend and will be recognized. Light refreshments will be served following the service.

2 p.m. :  Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Warrensville branch will present the Ecumenical Disciples Choir.

7 p.m.: Cleveland Public Library Writer’s and Reader’s Author Series-Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Hear sports legend and philanthropist Kareem Abdul Jabbar share his experience as he discusses his book ‘On The Shoulder Of Giants’. Main Branch Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium.